Elastic band construct

ABSTRACT

An elastic band for an article of clothing is described comprising an elongated strip-shaped outer layer of woven, longitudinally stretchable fabric, the outer layer being hydrophilic; an elongated strip-shaped inner layer of a different woven, longitudinally stretchable fabric the inner layer being hydrophobic and a logo woven into the fabric of the outer layer. Also disclosed is a double-layer construct for an elastic band comprising a hydrophobic section having apertures, a hydrophilic section having apertures, wherein the hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections are juxtaposed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/987,091 filed on Mar. 9, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an elastic band, more particularly,formed of hydrophilic yarns and hydrophobic yarns in combination withelastomeric yarns.

BACKGROUND

Waistbands for skirts, trousers, underwear, headbands, shorts, trousers,long johns, tights, and underbands for bras, and the like are known in awide variety of types and constructions. In many conventional waistbandshaving opposite sides, a skin-facing side and an opposed outside, thematerials used to form each of the skin-facing and/or outside surfacesboth have hydrophilic and/or moisture wicking properties. Thisconfiguration results in the absorbed or wicked moisture and/orperspiration in or on the skin-facing surface to remain in contact withthe skin, which is generally undesirable and/or uncomfortable andpossibly contributory to causing skin aliments, such as rashes or othermicrobial maladies.

SUMMARY

It is, accordingly, an object of the present disclosure to overcome theaforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. More particularly it isan object of the present disclosure to provide an improved elastic bandwhich is not possessed of these disadvantages.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for thepresent disclosure are set forth in particular in the appended claims.The present disclosure itself, however, both as to its construction andits method of operation, together with additional objects and advantagesthereof, will be best understood from the following description ofspecific examples when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

As used herein, the term “elastic band” is inclusive of waistbands, forskirts, trousers, bras, underwear, headbands, caps (skull caps), hats,shorts, trousers, long johns, tights, underbands for bras, and articlesof clothing having an elastic section configured to hold or secure thetextile in place on a wearer of the textile. For providing an exemplarydescription, the terms and phrases “waistbands, underbands bras, skirts,trousers, underwear, headbands, caps (skull caps), hats, shorts,trousers, long johns, tights and articles of clothing having an elasticsection configured to hold or secure the textile in place on a wearer ofthe textile” are used in the present disclosure interchangeably andinclusively with “elastic band.”

In one example, an elastic band for an article of clothing is provided.The waistband comprises an elongated strip-shaped outer layer of woven,longitudinally stretchable fabric having two transversely spacedlongitudinally extending margins and an outer and an inner side, theouter layer being hydrophilic, an elongated strip-shaped inner layer ofa different woven, longitudinally stretchable fabric the inner layerbeing hydrophobic, the inner layer extending along the inner side of theouter layer and being united with the inner layer at least along one ofthe longitudinally extending margins, the interlayer having an exposedinner side facing away from the inner side of the outer layer. In oneexample, a logo is woven into the fabric of the outer layer.

In one example, alone or in combination with one or more of the previousexamples, the outer and inner layers are interwoven at at least aportion of their interface. In one example, alone or in combination withone or more of the previous examples, the inner layer being composed atleast in part of metal-, metal oxide-, and/or metal salt-containingyarn.

In another example, a double-layer waistband is provided. Thedouble-layer waistband comprising, when in an un-folded configurationcomprises a hydrophobic section having a plurality of first apertures, ahydrophilic section having a plurality of second apertures, and antransition section between the hydrophobic section and the hydrophilicsection, wherein the hydrophobic section, the hydrophilic section, andthe transition section lie in a continuous plane.

In another example, a double-layer waistband is provided. Thedouble-layer waistband comprising a hydrophobic section having aplurality of first apertures, the hydrophobic section having a firstsurface and an opposite second surface, a hydrophilic section having aplurality of second apertures, the hydrophilic section having a thirdsurface and an opposite fourth surface, and wherein the first surfaceand third surface are juxtaposed.

In one example, alone or in combination with one or more of the previousexamples, and the hydrophilic section comprises polyester, acrylic,nylon, cotton, wool or blended yarns thereof in combination withelastomeric yarn. In one example, alone or in combination with one ormore of the previous examples, the hydrophobic section comprises metal-,metal oxide-, or metal salt-containing yarn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary waistband constructdisclosed and described herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sports bra comprising the exemplarywaistband construct disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 3 is a section view of a portion of an exemplary waistbandconstruct as disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view of a portion of the exemplarywaistband construct of FIG. 3, as disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 5 a front perspective view of an exemplary article of clothingincorporating a double layer waistband construct disclosed and describedherein;

FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of section 6 from FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sports bra incorporating the exemplarydouble layer waistband construct similar to FIG. 6, disclosed anddescribed herein;

FIG. 8A is a top plan view a portion of the inside surfaces of theexemplary double layer waistband construct similar to FIG. 6, disclosedand described herein;

FIG. 8B is a top plan view of a portion of the outside surfaces of theexemplary double layer waistband construct similar to FIG. 6, disclosedand described herein;

FIG. 8C depicts a side perspective view of a portion of an article forforming the exemplary double layer waistband construct, disclosed anddescribed herein;

FIG. 9A depicts a portion of a skin facing surface of an exemplarydouble layer waistband construct incorporated in an article of clothing;and

FIG. 9B depicts a portion of an outside facing surface of an exemplarydouble layer waistband construct incorporated in an article of clothing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used throughout this application, the term “hydrophilic yarns” andits grammatical equivalents mean yarns having an affinity for moistureand/or water or readily absorbing or wicking water, or liquidcompositions of biological origin comprised mostly of water, e.g.,perspiration. The hydrophilic properties of the yarn may be intrinsic tothe materials used to form the yarn, the shape/surface area orsize/denier per filament, or the hydrophilic properties may be impartedto the yarn by treating the yarn with one or more hydrophiliccompositions.

As used throughout this application, the term “hydrophobic yarns” andits grammatical equivalents mean yarns having an essentially no affinityfor moisture and/or water, repel moisture and/or water, or thatessentially resist absorbing water, or liquid compositions of biologicalorigin comprised mostly of water, e.g., perspiration. The hydrophobicproperties of the yarn may be intrinsic to the materials used to formthe yarn, the shape/surface area or size/denier per filament, or thehydrophobic properties may be imparted to the yarn by treating the yarnwith one or more hydrophobic compositions.

Discussing now the drawings in detail, and with reference to FIGS. 1, 2,presently disclosed waistband constructs 34, 35 incorporated in articlesof clothing, e.g. waistband for shorts 10 and underband for sports bra20, respectively, (hereinafter “waistband” and “elastic band” are usedinterchangeably). It will be seen that the waistband is composed of anouter surface layer 14 and an inside skin facing surface layer 16.Optional indicia, such as a brand name or “logo” 75 is integral with oneor both of the outer surface layer 14 and inside skin facing surfacelayers 16. Reverse image 75′ of logo 75 appears on inside surface layer16.

With reference to FIG. 3, waistband 20 comprises a layer of woven fabrichaving opposite sides 50 and 52 between two transversely spacedlongitudinally extending edges. Both the layers 14 and the layer 16 areof woven mesh fabric, and the layer 16 is unitary with the layer 14along a longitudinally extending interface layer 70 (or “middle layer”)thereof. In one example, the surfaces of the two layers are juxtaposedover their entire surface areas via interface layer 70.

One side of the layer 14 is juxtaposed with layer 16. In the illustratedexample, the layers 14, 16 (and middle layer) are formed by weaving endsof yarns and which are offset with reference to one another so that, inone example, longitudinally extending ribs and free areas intermediatethem are obtained. These yarns are directly woven into the material ofthe layer 14 during the joint manufacture of the layers 14 and 16, as iswell known to those skilled in the art. In one example, side 50 isconfigured for presenting to, being adjacent to, or being directlyadjacent to the skin wearer, with side 52 being opposed thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the waistband iscomposed of an outer surface layer 14 and an inside skin facing surfacelayer 16. Optional logo 75 is integral with one or both of the outersurface layer 14 and inside skin facing surface layer 16. In oneexample, a basic woven waistband construct without any logo, text, orsymbols integral with the outer surface suitable is provided suitablefor inexpensive underwear or stretch-to-fit caps. Unfortunately, in suchconstructs, layers 14 and 16 are made up of hydrophilic yarns, or yarnsof different hydrophilicity, interwoven with elastomeric yarn, such asspandex. When the wearer perspires this construct will become wet andremain wet or moist on the skin facing surface because of thehydrophilic yarns being directly next to the skin, which is undesirable.In one example, the present disclosure excludes an elastic bandconstruct comprising layers 14 and 16 that are made up of predominantlyhydrophilic yarns, or yarns of predominantly different hydrophilicity,interwoven with elastomeric yarn.

In one example, a technical solution to the aforementioned technicalproblem of the preceding paragraph is provided as shown for example inFIG. 3. The construct of FIG. 3 is without a logo, text or symbolshowever comprises hydrophobic layer 16 configured for presenting to,being adjacent to, or being directly adjacent to the skin of a wearer.In one example, hydrophobic layer 16 comprises polypropylene incombination with elastomeric yarns such as spandex or polyurethanes. Inanother example, hydrophobic layer 16 comprises polypropylene containingmetal, metal oxide, or salt. In another example, hydrophobic layer 16comprises polypropylene containing zinc, zinc oxide, copper, copperoxide, or a copper salt. Copper oxide and copper sites include compoundshaving copper cations Cu+, Cu++, Cu+++, and mixtures thereof. In anotherexample, hydrophobic layer 16 comprises polypropylene containing silver,silver oxide, or a silver salt. Silver oxide and silver salts includecompounds having silver cations Ag+, Ag++, Ag+++, and mixtures thereof.

In one example, outer surface layer 14 comprises hydrophilic yarnsintegral with hydrophobic layer 16. Exemplary hydrophilic yarns includepolyesters, nylons, polyester blends, nylon blends, acrylics, cotton,and wool. Other examples of hydrophilic yarns include yarns treated withhydrophilic coatings. In the waistband construct comprising hydrophobiclayer 16 integral with hydrophilic layer 14, perspiration and/ormoisture will move from the wearer through the hydrophobic layer 16 tothe hydrophilic outer layer 14.

In contrast to the construct where hydrophilic yarns are used, the aboveconstruct (hydrophobic layer 16 adjacent the skin of thewearer/hydrophilic layer adjacent 14 more distal from skin of wearerthan hydrophobic layer 16) provides for moisture and/or perspiration tobe repelled by the hydrophobic layer 16 and contained in the non-skinfacing surface layer 14 comprising hydrophilic yarns rendering thesurface in contact with the wearer to be relatively dry, and morecomfortable.

With reference to FIG. 4, an exemplary waistband construct is providedwith a logo, text, or symbol indicated, by way of example, as logo 75(or other design or symbol) as shown in FIG. 4, logo 75 being integrallywoven with at least one side of the outer layer 14 and skin facing layer16. In this example, the logo is provided by switching color contrastingyarns of layers 14, 16 during the weaving process in a controlled mannerto provide a visual representation of the logo. In this construct, asmall portion, e.g., equal to a surface area of the sum of all of thelogos created, of the hydrophilic yarns from layer 16 are presented tothe skin surface of the wearer, which may hold moisture and/orperspiration next to the skin.

In another example, the middle layer 70 can be essentially hydrophobicyarn (a second layer of layer 14). In this construct, the yarns switchplaces and logo 75 appears on front side as the front side colorcontrasting yarns of hydrophilic layer 14 are reversed into middle layer70, but these contrasting yarns are substantially absent on the skinfacing side of hydrophobic layer 16.

The materials of the layers 14 and 16 include elastomeric yarns in anamount suitable for providing stretch and recovery along a radius of thewaistband, if the waistband is viewed as a ring. In one example, yarnsand/or fibers of the layers 14 and/or 16 in themselves have a particularstretch capability. Thus, customarily used elastic fibers of anysuitable type, for example, a filament elastic fiber, elastane, LYCRA®,creora®, polyurethane fibers, or the like, can be utilized. In oneexample, texturized filaments or yarn are utilized for layer 14, 16, or70.

With reference to FIG. 5, enlarged view of section 6 of FIG. 5 (FIG. 6),and FIG. 7, an additional exemplary band construct is provided, shownincorporated in articles of clothing, e.g. a waistband 135 of shorts 10,and an underband 134 for sports bra 20.

The constructs 134, 135 are manufactured and configured to be foldedlongitudinally and optionally affixed in part to form a double-layerwaistband construct having moisture management and/or air circulationfunctionality, among other things that improve the comfort of thewearer. Each layer of the double-layer trim construct includes aplurality of openings 126 that facilitate the moisture management and/orair circulation functionality of the band. A channel may be formed inone of the layers that may be used to hold a drawstring by which, forexample, an elastic band construction that can be tightened or loosened.

In FIG. 8A, 8B, opposing surfaces 134′,134″ of exemplary elastic band134 is shown, each opposing surface presented in a flat, unfoldedcondition, that is, before the sections 102 and 103 thereof aresuperimposed or juxtaposed upon one another. In one example, section 102comprises subsections 105, 110, and 115. In one example, one or moresubsections of section 102 is constructed of predominantly hydrophobicyarn in combination with elastomeric yarn. In one example, allsubsections of section 102 comprise predominantly hydrophobic yarn incombination with elastomeric yarn. Subsections 105, 110, and 115 aregenerally arranged in parallel with each other, thus, forming parallelsections that traverse longitudinally around the elastic band with theirindividual longitudinal axes generally parallel to the stretchingdirection of the elastic band. Subsections 105, 110 and 115independently have opposing surfaces 106, 106′, 109, 109′, 116 and 116′,respectively.

In one example, section 103 comprises subsections 120, 125, and 130. Inone example, one or more subsections of section 103 is constructed ofpredominantly hydrophilic yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn. Inone example, all subsections of section 103 comprise predominantlyhydrophilic yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn. Subsections 120,125, and 130 are generally arranged in parallel with each other, thus,forming parallel sections that traverse longitudinally around theelastic band with their individual longitudinal axes generally parallelto the stretching direction of the elastic band. Subsections 120, 125,and 130 independently have opposing surfaces 121, 121′, 127, 127′, 131and 131′, respectively.

In one example, subsection 110 comprises a plurality apertures having anaverage first size and subsection 125 comprises a plurality of apertureshaving an average second size. The first size and second size of theapertures of the respective subsections 110 and 125, respectively can bethe same or different.

As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, section 102 of the construct 135 anapertured section 110 interposed between a first section 105 and asecond section 115. First section 105 is integrally connected to andformed from apertured section 110. Section 103 comprises an aperturedsection 125 interposed between a third section 120 and a fourth section130. Fourth section 130 is integrally connected to and formed fromapertured section 125. Thus, surfaces 106′, 109′ and 116′ of subsections105, 110 and 115, respectively, present skin facing inner surface 16.Surfaces 121′, 127′, and 131′, respectively, of subsections 120, 125,and 130 present outer surface 14.

Section 115 transitions to section 120 through midline 113 that extendslongitudinally between section 115 and section 120. As shown, a portionof section 115 extends past midline 113 such that when elastic band 134is in a folded configuration a portion of section 115 is presented onopposing surfaces of the waistband. In one example, apertured section110 transitions from hydrophobic yarns to hydrophilic apertured section120 in at least a portion of section 115. The transition can be abruptor gradual. In one example, hydrophobic inside section 102 transitionsto hydrophilic section 103, with some of the hydrophobic material ofsection 102 being present in section 103 in proximity to midline 113, asshown in FIGS. 8A, 8B. In one example, the transition from hydrophobicapertured section 110 transitions to hydrophilic apertured section 120in at least a portion of section 115 distal from midline 113 such that aportion of section 115 (hydrophobic yarn) is presented on opposingsurfaces of the waistband, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B.

In one example, section 102 of the construct 134 comprises hydrophobicyarn in combination with elastomeric yarn. In one example, section 103of the construct 134 comprises hydrophilic yarn in combination withelastomeric yarn. In another example, section 102 comprises hydrophobicyarn in combination with elastomeric yarn and section 103 compriseshydrophilic yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn.

In one example, hydrophobic yarn of section 102 comprises yarns ofpolypropylene in combination with elastomeric yarn. In an exemplaryaspect, section 102 is formed using approximately 50-90%, polypropyleneyarn and the remainder % spandex yarn although other ratios arecontemplated herein. In another example, hydrophobic yarn of section 102comprises yarns of polypropylene containing zinc, silver, copper, ortheir oxides and/or salts in combination with elastomeric yarn. Copperoxide and copper sites include compounds having copper cations Cu+,Cu++, Cu+++, and mixtures thereof. In another example, hydrophobic yarnof section 102 comprises polypropylene containing zinc, zinc oxide,silver, silver oxide, or a silver salt in combination with elastomericyarn. Silver oxide and silver salts include compounds having silvercations Ag+, Ag++, Ag+++, and mixtures thereof.

In one example, hydrophilic yarn of one or more sections 120, 125, and130 comprises yarns polyester, nylon, acrylic, viscose, cotton, wool, orblended yarn thereof in combination with spandex yarns although othertypes of elastic yarns are contemplated. In an exemplary aspect, thesection 103 is formed using approximately 50-90% polyester, nylon,acrylic, viscose, cotton, wool, or blended yarn and the remainder %spandex yarn although other ratios are contemplated herein.

Use of spandex, elastane, etc., yarns in one or more sections 105, 110,115, 120, 125, and 130 imparts elastic functionality (e.g., two-waystretch and/or four-way stretch) and shape retention/memory to theconstruct 134 while maintaining structural integrity of the construct134, for example, to hold or secure the textile in place about the body.Use of these yarn combinations and in the recited ratio may improvemoisture management from one or more hydrophilic sections 120, 125, and130 and/or improve moisture transport from one or more hydrophobiclayer/sections 105, 110, and 115 (from inside section 102 to outsidesection 103) of presently disclosed band, thereby increasing wearercomfort.

Further, the construct 134 and/or the materials used to form theconstruct 134 may be treated and/or coated for mildew resistance, stainresistance, and fade resistance. As shown, sections 105, 110, 115, 120,125, and 130 all lie in essentially the same two-dimensional plane inthe unfolded configuration.

In one example, first section 105 and a second section 115 of section102 are devoid of apertures. In another example, first section 120 and asecond section 130 of section 103 are devoid of apertures. In yetanother example, first section 105 and a second section 115 of section102 and first section 120 and a second section 130 of section 103 aredevoid of apertures.

The construct 134 may be formed by a weaving process that utilizes aplurality of filaments, fibers, and/or yarns to integrally form theapertured sections and the first, second, third, and fourth sections105, 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130 respectively.

With reference now to FIGS. 8C, 9A, and 9B, construct 134 is shown infolded configuration. Construct 134 a of FIG. 9A represents the skinfacing surface, while construct 134 b of FIG. 9B represents the outsideof the waistband (non-skin facing) surface. Construct 134 a of FIG. 9Apresents hydrophobic apertured section 110 interposed between subsection105 and subsection 115. In one example, apertured section 110, firstsection 105, and second section 115 (also referred to as aperturedsection 110, first section 105, and second section 115) of construct 134a comprise hydrophobic polypropylene with metal-, metal oxide-, metalsalt-containing in combination with elastomeric yarn.

Construct 134 b of FIG. 9B presents hydrophilic apertured subsection 125interposed between subsection 120 and second subsection 130. In oneexample, apertured subsection 125, section 120, and section 130 ofconstruct 134 b comprise hydrophilic polyester, acrylic, nylon, viscose,cotton, wool and blended yarns thereof in combination with elastomericyarn. Construct 134 b of FIG. 9B presents a portion of hydrophobicsubsection 115 on its outside surface to further improve the moisturemanagement functionality of the present construct, as the interfacebetween the hydrophilic and hydrophobic sections are not located at theupper edge of the waistband, and therefore avoid or eliminate collectionand holding or wicking of moisture and/or perspiration that otherwisecauses discomfort.

In one aspect, apertured section 125 ultimately forms the exterior layer14 and apertured section 110 forms the interior layer 16 of thewaistband construct in the folded configuration. By having theskin-contacting interior layer 16 comprised of a hydrophobic material,moisture is repelled away from the wearer's skin and into thehydrophilic material of exterior layer 14. The surface area created bythe apertures (either the apertures 111 or the apertures 126) of one orboth apertured sections 110 and 125 helps to disperse moisture and/orperspiration. In one example, upon transport to the exterior layer, theapertures 126 help to disperse the moisture as well as heat along theentirety of the external-facing layer 14. Further, the apertures in theinterior layer 16 (skin-facing) facilitate increased air circulationwhich may also assist in the evaporation of the moisture during use.

In one example, sections 105 and 130 extends in the foldedconfiguration, so that a marginal zone is provided for sewing to agarment, e.g., shorts or sports bra as indicated at 136. In one example,a marginal zone is not used and the sections 105 and 130 be coextensivein their folded configuration.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this disclosure is adapted toattain the objects set forth together with other advantages related tothe structure. It is to be understood that all matter herein set forthor shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted asillustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:
 1. An elastic band for an article of clothing, comprising an elongated strip-shaped outer layer of woven, longitudinally stretchable fabric having two transversely spaced longitudinally extending margins and an outer and an inner side, the outer layer being hydrophilic; and an elongated strip-shaped inner layer of a different woven, longitudinally stretchable fabric the inner layer being hydrophobic, the inner layer extending along the inner side of the outer layer and being united with the inner layer at least along one of the longitudinally extending margins, the interlayer having an exposed inner side facing away from the inner side of the outer layer;
 2. An elastic band according to claim 1, further comprising a logo woven into the fabric of the outer layer.
 3. An elastic band according claim 1, wherein the outer and inner layers are interwoven at at least a portion of their interface.
 4. An elastic band according claim 1, the inner layer being composed at least in part of metal-, metal oxide-, and/or metal salt-containing yarn.
 5. A double-layer waistband comprising: when in an un-folded configuration: a hydrophobic section having a plurality of first apertures; a hydrophilic section having a plurality of second apertures; and an transition section between the hydrophobic section and the hydrophilic section, wherein the hydrophobic section, the hydrophilic section, and the transition section lie in a continuous plane.
 6. The double layer construct of claim 5, wherein the hydrophobic section comprises polypropylene yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn and the hydrophilic section comprises polyester, acrylic, viscose, cotton, wool or blended yarns thereof in combination with elastomeric yarn.
 7. The double layer construct of claim 5, wherein the hydrophobic section comprises metal-, metal oxide-, or metal salt-containing yarn.
 8. A double-layer construct for an elastic band, the construct comprising: a hydrophobic section having a plurality of first apertures, the hydrophobic section having a first surface and an opposite second surface; a hydrophilic section having a plurality of second apertures, the hydrophilic section having a third surface and an opposite fourth surface; and wherein the first surface and third surface are juxtaposed.
 9. The double layer construct of claim 8, wherein the hydrophobic section comprises polypropylene yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn and the hydrophilic section comprises polyester, acrylic, viscose, nylon, cotton, wool or blended yarns thereof in combination with elastomeric yarn.
 10. The double layer construct of claim 8, wherein the hydrophobic section comprises metal-, metal oxide-, or metal salt-containing yarn. 